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Pot plant work due to begin in 2 weeks Producer hasn't closed on factory BY LARAINE WESCHLER REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

WATERTOWN — Theraplant expects to start renovations to its 64,000-square-foot building in less than two weeks, according to the company's CEO, Ethan Ruby.

Theraplant was one of four medical marijuana producers to win a state at license on Tuesday.

Ruby spoke at a press conference in Watertown's municipal center Thursday morning, surrounded by town officials who supported his application.

Ruby said the company still has to close on the former paint factory at 856 Echo Lake Road, get building permits and set up a $2 million escrow account.

"All those coals have been put into the fire," Ruby said.

Ruby said his company has had some issues with banking, since many financial institutions are skittish about working with marijuana producers, but he said he is working with two banks and is working toward solutions.

About 25 private investors have committed $7 million to Theraplant to purchase and equip the building, Ruby said. He said most of those investors live in Connecticut and New York, though there are a few from farther-flung states.

Ruby said he's not worried about how he'll get his product to customers, despite opposition from towns across the region to dispensaries. Many Connecticut towns have imposed moratoriums on dispensaries.

"There are plenty of towns out there that recognize the economic value of types of businesses like this," Ruby said. "This industry is happening."

Ruby said he has received more than 250 resumes in the past 24 hours. He expects Theraplant to create about 35 jobs in the first year and about 100 at maximum capacity. He said he's looking for motivated, smart people

"We're attracting people from a variety of past experience jobs," Ruby said.

State Sen. Robert Kane, R-Watertown, said he supported Theraplant's application despite voting against the legislation to legalize medical marijuana.

"Regardless of what you think of the underlying law, this is the lay of the land," Kane said.

He said Theraplant stood above all the other applicants. Theraplant earned the highest score among 16 applicants in the state's grading system. Kane said he welcomed the tax revenue, jobs, and economic activity that Theraplant will bring to the region.

State Rep. Sean Williams, R-Watertown, said he voted against medical marijuana years ago, but reconsidered after hearing personal stories of how it had helped people he knew.

Williams said he would consider approving recreational marijuana in the future and expects it to become legal within his lifetime. He said a case could be made that marijuana is not as dangerous as drunk drivers.

"This is the land of steady habits. We take our time doing things. It took a long time to get here. It will take a long time to get there, but I would venture to say that in most of our lifetimes, that will happen," Williams said.

While he supports recreational marijuana as a taxpaying citizen, Ruby said he is strictly interested in the medicinal side. If Connecticut were to legalize recreational marijuana in the future, Ruby said he would consider his options.

"The rules here are not a slippery slope or a back door to recreational," Ruby said.

Town Manager Charles A. Frigon said most residents support the new manufacturer.

There are some people who don't understand. There are those that do understand and still generally are not fond of the idea, but I have to say that, for the most part, an overwhelming number of people have come out and supported it," Frigon said.

" I never drank, smoked or did drugs, but the way this state and country are going I may have to consider it. Thank god these pot factories are on the way to becoming reality, 'cause we're all gonna need this stuff to get relief from the pain of the Malloy and Obama administrations. "

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